"I received the gift of life from Johnny. His heart and his lungs. Forever grateful for his selfless act of being an organ donor. I feel such a huge connection to his soul and the person he was. My whole life I have serious health conditions,born with congenital heart disease, trans position of the main arteries. Had my first open heart surgery to try to fix the damage done to the valves. They corrected by only letting me live with one artery. As a kid I loved soccer so much and wanted to play it. I couldn't ever pass that physical exam to be on any team ever. Soccer was my passion and I played alot at home that's what i loved doing. It makes so happy to see that Johnny enjoyed playing soccer. I enjoy all your storys about his life . He was a hell of a guy. I thank Johnny every second of every day for his gift. God bless "
In loving memory of
John A. Ridder,
July 1, 2017
John A. "Johnny" Ridder, Jr., age 34, formerly of Quincy, passed away on Saturday, July 1, 2017, at 8:40 pm in Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
Johnny was born July 4, 1982 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of John Ridder and Vicki Huelsmeyer Ridder.
Johnny graduated from Quincy High School in 2000 and received his bachelors degree from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was an athlete and played soccer on his high school and college teams. Johnny was employed as a sales person for Quincy Honda, Shottenkirk Toyota, and Gem City Ford. He had just started a sales position with PJ Printing in Louisiana, Missouri. Johnny's hobbies included recreational soccer, softball, BBQ's and hanging out with his friends. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan.
Johnny was gentle and kind. He loved openly, honestly and with everything. He was genuinely accepting of all and had a way of always making you feel welcomed, important and loved. Johnny had an infectious, bright smile that seemed to encompass everything he was. We take great comfort knowing that he is at peace and in the great arms of our loving Father.
Survivors include his mother, Vicki (Scott Herman) Ridder of Quincy; his father, John (Kathy) Ridder of Quincy; a sister, Katie (Brian Turner) Ridder of Denver, CO; a brother, Robert (Jacki) Ridder of Noblesville, IN; a step-sister, Kelly Curran of Quincy; a step-brother, Brian (Amber) Curran of Quincy; a step-sister, Katherine (Jerred Schisler) Curran of Macomb, IL; five nephews and nieces, Avery and Riley Ridder of Noblesville, IN, Curtis Turner of Denver, CO, Aurora Allison and Hailey Curran, both of Quincy; his aunts and uncles, Jan and Chuck Heitholt, Paul and Mary Ridder, Catherine and Jim Breyley, Betty Ann and Dick Fraiser, Joan and Bill Laws, and Fred Cherny; and numerous cousins.
Johnny was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Paul and Betty Ridder, his maternal grandparents, Robert and Mary Lou Huelsmeyer, an uncle, Gary Huelsmeyer, an aunt, Mary Agnes Cherny, and a niece, Henley Romine.
When it's your birthday, you usually receive gifts. This year, Johnny was the one giving the gifts. He gave the gift of life to several people by being an organ donor.
Services: A private memorial service will be held to honor Johnny's life.
Visitation: A celebration and BBQ was held honoring Johnny's life in Madison Park on Saturday.
Memorials: Henley Romine BEElieve Foundation, Mary Ridder Cherny Fund at the Community Foundation, or the Alzheimer's Association
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"John and Family-just learned of the loss of your son and namesake, Johnny. Oh my goodness what handsome likeness of you he is. Know this has got to have been a very rough time in your life and in those of your family. No parent should have to say good-bye to their child, but God had a bigger plan for your dear son. Our prayers are with you. God's Blessings. Lisa Musolino-Scholz and Tom Scholz"
"My name is Katie, I want to express my deepest condolences to every person who loved John. I didn't have the chance to get to know him as I was only on the scene assisting when this happened, but I am so glad he had such a loving family. My prayers have been for you for some time, and will continue. Please take care, and remember the good things. Much love."
"Vicki and family, I am so sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace and comfort during your time of loss and sorrow."
"John, Vicki and Families Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this most difficult time. Our sincere sympathy."
"R.I.P. Johnny....my his memory stay close to everyone's heart. Such a cool dude he was, he really was."
"Dear John and Vicki: Please accept our prayers for Johnny and you at this troublesome time. Our hearts are heavy hearing the news of your son's passing. Our deepest condolences for your loss. God Speed Johnny. God Bless your family. Terri and John Badamo"
"Vicki--- my thoughts and prayers are with you, you are on my mind and in my heart during this horrible time .... hugs from one momma to another????? God Bless ... prayers to all family and friends?"
"My sympathies go out to the entire family.. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. I will remember Johnny when he was playing soccer with Kevin and the others on the team. They were so fun to watch.. they put their heart and soul into the game. May God be with you..."
"Dear Ridder Family- My heart goes out to all of you-I am so sorry for your loss, and I hope, in time, you all can find the peace you deserve- With deepest sympathy- Elaine Turner and Family"
"Katie, So sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Krista and I are thinking of you during this most difficult time. - Kolby Crook and Krista Tierney (Hoebing)"
"Vicki... You have my sympathy. Prayers and thoughts to your entire family to somehow help you through this very difficult time. Pam (Terwelp) Laaker"
"My sympathy to the families and friends who lost John Ridder Jr. These are difficult times and may the promise at Isaiah 25:8 gives comfort knowing that, in the near future, God will stop death forever and wipe away tears from our faces; because mourning for our loved ones in death is never God's will for all of us. Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12"
"John and Kathy, I am so so sorry for your loss. Thinking about you lots. Love and prayers to all of you. Joan"
"Deepest condolences."
"I am so sad for Johnnie's family. He was a man with a big heart. I am blessed to have know him...I will pray for his family... God Bless, Sandra Ince Oliver"